The Many Ways Copper Is Used Today

Copper is one of the most important metals we use today, and is found in almost every aspect of our lives. So great is the need for copper in the modern world that mining is unable to keep up with the demand, and copper recycling is now an important industry. If you look around you, you will undoubtedly see some objects that are either copper or contain copper or one of its alloys.

Copper wiring is used in our homes to deliver current to all the appliances that require it. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, and is not as prone to causing an electrical fire as is aluminum. Many homes also have copper pipes for water. Copper does not degrade easily and does not leach into the water, making it a safe and durable choice for pipes. Besides pipes, bathtubs, sinks, and faucets are often made of copper, as its rich color adds dimension to any bathroom.

Our cars, trucks, and other vehicles also depend on copper for their operation. The electrical system of vehicles requires the use of copper wires, and copper will also be found in the windshield wiper and starter motors and in the automatic windows.

As it was used from the times of antiquity for cooking, so copper is still used to make pots and pans today. While stainless steel is generally looked upon as providing the safest cooking utensils, recent research has provided data that points to copper cookware as being the best. All cookware will scratch with use, and these scratches often harbor bacteria. Copper's antibacterial qualities have been shown to be effective at reducing or eliminating E. coli bacteria.

Also around the home, copper is still used as roofing material, as it has been for centuries. Not only does copper roofing look great, but it is also better able to resist high winds and storms, and is generally considered to be nearly indestructible. While asphalt shingles will have to be replaced periodically, copper roofing will last for hundreds of years. Copper roofing is very expensive, so it is often used only as small, decorative roofs over bay windows or dormers. Copper is also a major component of most lightning rods, as it will draw the lightning to the rod, rather than to the home itself.

Jewelry is still made of copper and copper bracelets are thought to aid in relieving the pain of arthritis, although scientific collaboration for this is lacking. Sculptural and other decorative objects to beautify the home are made from copper and it is also found in many outdoor fountains. Copper will always have a place in our lives from strictly decorative uses to the most utilitarian.

Here is a lost of some of the ways copper is used in industry and around the home.

Air Conditioning
Coins, with pure or alloyed with another metal such as gold
Coloring agent for glass
Copper is added to fungicides and nutritional supplements
Copper is used in art
Sheathing of ships' hulls
In circuit boards
Water drains, water spout
Doorknobs
Cookware
Copper Sulfate used to kill mildew
Electrical Conductors
Jewelery
Lightning Rods
Microwave ovens
Musical instruments, particularly the brass section
Relays
Roof Water proofing
Sheeting
The Statue of Liberty is made out of copper
Trace elements for animals
Used to make brass and bronze
Vacuum Tubes
Water Pipes